POTD: The Kalashnikov Concern PL-14 Pistol

Today’s POTD is a photo taken by Russian shooter Irina Mareeva of the new Kalashnikov Concern PL-14 Pistol. This photo shows the ergonomics of the new pistol with its Glock-like grip angle.

Here is a comparison with the Glock that I put together. The Glock is red, the PL-14 is blue (they are not necessarily to scale and the PL-14 has been flipped horizontally. The virtual ruler is at a 22 degree angle).

The shape of the PL-14 backstrap, with its almost target-like bulge at the bottom, would cause the shooter to hold it differently to a Glock despite the similar grip angle.

Here is another photo of the PL-14 from Ms. Mareeva …

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rambo jones

Looks like a very nice ergonomic design.

Dracon1201

I would be very interested in one if these sanctions ever go.

Still can’t get over the hardwoods, though. They are amazing.

John

It’s both futuristic and retro at the same time, if it functions flawlessly, I love it.

1leggeddog

It’s russian. It’s a good possibility.

Alex Kevarsky

If you are about flawless functioning, I beg to differ. The pistols that Russians had produced since the fall of USSR have horrible reliability and even worse workmanship. Somehow I doubt this will be any better.

Zugunder

Well, that’s probably one of the reasons none of post-soviet pistols saw wide use among Russian military/police. If this one succeed at replacing majority of PMs that’ll be pretty good indication of it’s quality.

USMC03Vet

Looks like something out of a 1960’s science fiction mag.

Anonymoose

I was thinking more Blade Runner.

TheNotoriousIUD

Are Russian rails the same size as American?

JSmath

They very likely copied the dimensions of the Picatinny rail spec, if only because of the availability of accessories that fit it.

TheNotoriousIUD

I figured but I also know Russians like to do things their own way.

lapkonium

There is an indigenous “dove’s tail” sidereal system, pica tinny rail is a widely accepted standard. Why create a special rail?

Blue Centurion

That’s true, although they like Oakley gloves and gear as seen in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.

Dracon1201

I hope so! A TLR-1 HL would be so cool on this

TheNotoriousIUD

Exactly my thought.

Snusmumr

These days pretty much everyone uses the Picatinny rail by default. Wouldn’t make sense to use anything else.

santi

Please be on the market someday. If you are out there listing. Please…

alex waits

extremely attractive pistol.
I would buy one if they ever come to our shores.
Absolutely love the hardwood.

USMC03Vet

I really want to shoot one. It looks fun.

steveday72

The ergonomics resemble Arsenal’s Strike-One.

…Specifically: the very high beavertail; the trigger area overlapping the recoil spring housing/rail.

It should be easy control, because the grip position is so close to the bore axis.

The design looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. I expect to see them used as film props – they’ll likely add a large fake barrel to the rail and add some LEDs.

Polymer framed? Or is it still in question what they’re making it with? If it is polymer and has wood backstraps, and functions reliably…i would abandon my glocks for this. Hottest looking gun I’ve seen in a while…the strike one looks cool but they’ll screw it up with some stupid HK/Sig price tag.

Holdfast_II

Holy Slide Bite Ivan!

mig1nc

A lot of things about that pistol make sense. And if it really is that thin, I definitely want one. Well, I want one anyway.

ItalianAmerican

It’s definitely a design (aesthetically) that I could fall in love with, whether or not it is a good one. I think it looks sweet and I wish another brand had conceived it, frankly.

One_Jackal

I am done with pistols that accessories are unavailable. Not to mention that gun is as big as a 1911. If I am going to buy a big heavy gun it will be some flavor of 1911. I am not a 1911 fanboy. I carry a G19 every day.

Graham2

From the photo, it looks as though the shooter is trying to negate the effectiveness of the frame’s beavertail!